Home-grown Franklin County initiative has healthy outlook

• Sustainability of Local Foods System in Franklin County: Buy Fresh ... Buy Local (PPT)

By Jason King
Assistant Communications Director

Sports fans today are all too familiar with allegations of athletes' use of steroids and growth hormones. Those same concerns carry over to food, and one of the many consumer concerns with the food supply is that it may have been subjected to growth hormones or antibiotics or may have been genetically manipulated, according to Franklin County Agricultural Extension Agent Martha Mobley.

Mobley, who discussed Franklin County's work to build a sustainable local food system during the district meeting held April 9 in Nash County, said consumers can alleviate those concerns and others by buying locally grown or raised vegetables, fruits and meats.

Despite the challenges of building local food infrastructure, the county is forging ahead and succeeding by taking the time to understand the needs of farmers in the county and local consumers, nurturing young farmers, and helping farmers tap into new sources of revenue.

From a consumer perspective, Mobley tied eating locally grown foods to a more healthy diet, eating better tasting and fresher foods, and having a positive impact on the local environment through support of farm preservation. She said Franklin farmers have a tremendous opportunity due to the population base and number of restaurants within an hour's drive, but it can still be a hard sell to someone considering farming.

"We talk to a lot of young farmers," she said. "It's hard to get started in farming." To help young farmers overcome challenges, the county pairs them with veterans in what equates to a mentoring program.

To show farmers how they can make a profit selling locally, Mobley said the county reaches out to local chefs to connect them with farmers.

In addition to letting the community know that it's safer to eat locally grown foods, the county helps farmers protect their livestock and crops.

"We teach our farmers about biosecurity on the farm," she said. "That is one concern – attacks on our food system."

The county also helps its farmers market their product, not only through traditional farmers markets, but also by helping them create a presence on the World Wide Web.

Another key to Franklin County's success with its local food system is its ability to breed cooperation among farmers, instead of competition.

"That's something that is hard to change," Mobley said.

For more information, contact Mobley at (919) 496-3344 or martha_mobley@ncsu.edu, or visit www.FranklinCountyFarmFresh.com.